Osteoporosis
About Osteoporosis
A disorder where the bones become weak, making it easier for them to break. Fractures can occur with even mild stress such as sitting down too hard, coughing, or bending over. The most common areas of fracture are in the back (spine), wrist and hip. Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it is more common in older women. The body constantly makes new bone and breaks down old bone. As one gets older more bone gets broken down than gets made, causing a loss of bone mass with advancing age. Other conditions can worsen this disorder including: poor nutrition, smoking, being thin, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, medications such as steroids, decreased physical activity, alcohol consumption, being of Caucasian ancestry, and drinking cola drinks. Osteoporosis runs in families,Symptoms
Early in the disease no symptoms are experienced. As the bones become weaker fractures occur causing pain usually in the back, hips, and wrist. Loss of height of the back bones (vertebrae) causes a stooped posture.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical will be done. The disorder is diagnosed by measuring a patient's bone density. The most commonly used test is dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Thyroid stimulating hormaone, Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
A patient's maximum bone mass is established at about age 30. Treatment is aimed at reducing the loss of bone and it is never too late to start therapy. Patients with a family history of osteoporosis should see a doctor sooner and consider earlier treatment. Medications used include a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. The most common bisphosphonates are alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel),and zoledronic acid (Reclast). Other medications that may be used are raloxifene (Evista), calcitonin, and teriparatide (Forteo). Estrogen therapy is sometimes used but can be associated with other complications such as blood clots, cancer, and heart disease. Physical therapy can help maintain bone strength and prevent falls.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Obstetrics and Gynecology · Family Practice · Geriatric Medicine · Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis.